All these factors put together make a student’s study abroad experience unique – after all, who would not want to study medicine in the Caribbean?
Is St George University A Good Medical School
St. George’s University is one of the largest medical schools in the world and a leading center for academic excellence introducing more than 18,000 graduates to the global healthcare system since its inception in 1976.
It currently enrolls more than 6,500 medical school students from all around the world at its astounding campus on the Caribbean shorelines.
Grenada is a British-Commonwealth nation in the Caribbean Sea and it is known for being a top tourist destination for the beauty of its beaches and its pristine nature, as well as its rich French and English colonial history.
the island is also known around the world for being the spice island. The country produces substantial amounts of different spices like cinnamon, ginger, and mace; however, its exceptionally massive production of nutmeg makes it the second largest exporter of the spice.
Why Study at St. George’s University
International Students come to study at St. George’s Grenada University for a host of several reasons. Starting from its top-class education, its internationally-recognized medical degree, the promising future it provides its graduates all the way to the beautiful nature of the island.
All these factors put together make a student’s study abroad experience unique – after all, who would not want to study medicine in the Caribbean?
World Renowned Medical Degree
St. George’s University offers degrees based on a medical program recognized in the United Kingdom and in the United States .
SGU prepares its students to take on the USMLE series of examinations providing opportunities for obtaining a residency match in the United States; it should be noted that SGU USMLE pass rate for international students is 97% first-time on step 1 in 2019 1 .
In 2020 alone, more than 1,100 students have obtained a residency at US Hospitals 2 . In addition to that, students can also choose to undergo their clinical training at more than 70 leading hospitals and health systems in The United States and The United Kingdom . Past years’ graduates have had the opportunity to practice at the top 20 US hospitals according to the 2020/2022 US News and World Report .
Clear Path to Becoming a Licensed Doctor in USA or UK
St. George’s University has been providing the world with highly trained doctors for more than 40 years.
Since its establishment as an independent medical school in Grenada, St. George’s University has pioneered the concept of medicine study abroad – for this, St. George’s Grenada University welcomes students and faculty members from more than 150 countries around the world.
Because the medical degree offered at SGU is recognized in the US and the UK, it guarantees its graduates medical practice in all 50 states of the USA as well as in more than 50 countries around the world.
With an average class size of eight students in small sessions, and 3,500 of the best support staff and faculty members serving its 6,500 students, the university offers a medical program that majorly focuses on the student and their academic progress.
Clinical Training at 70+ Leading Hospitals in USA and UK
Graduating from St. George’s University Medical School is the first step towards a very promising future.
SGUs partnerships with more than 1,400 clinical faculty members at more than 70 hospitals in the US and the UK , give it the ability to provide clinical training opportunities to its students in the country of their choosing.
The Career Guidance and Student Development Office at St. George Grenade University ensures every student has a fair opportunity to secure their desired placement. It is worth noting that 92% of eligible international graduates from SGU 5-year MD Program , who had applied for US residency position, were able to obtain one at the time of graduation 3 .
St. George’s Medical School is known to be the number one provider of physicians licensed in the US and is the second largest source of doctors for the entire US workforce 4 .
Flexible Entry Requirements
St. George’s University offers flexibility in placement and consideration based on academic and personal history.
St. George Medical School has various entry requirements to suit students with different qualifications and backgrounds in studying medicine abroad. SGU welcomes students from any education system around the world looking to study medicine abroad.
Studying medicine in Grenada at SGU is flexible as the medical programs are various depending on each student’s qualifications.
A four-year medical program is available for those entering with a traditional Baccalaureate Degree as well as a five , six, or seven-year medical programs for students entering with International Degrees.
Students presenting Secondary School, Advanced Level, or International Baccalaureate credentials are placed into the five or six-year programs depending on their academic education and performance.
In addition to the flexible entry requirements that are set by the university, international students are only encouraged to sit for the UKCAT to provide additional information on their overall academic and science foundation.
Convenient Pathway Program
Thanks to a unique partnership with Northumbria University in Newcastle, UK., St. George’s University gives international students the opportunity to earn a US Medical Degree as well as a UK Bachelors of Medical Sciences Degree. Students also have the opportunity to complete up to 50% of their degrees in the United Kingdom.
Those who begin their studies at Northumbria University in the UK will complete one year of integrated basic sciences at the technologically-advanced campus in Grenada. The final two years of study will connect traditional academic preparation with hands-on clinical experience.
Amazing Return on Investment
Studying medicine abroad and fulfilling your dream to become an international MD doctor or medical researcher is a significant investment in your future.
We understand that when you have to finance tuition fees for a 5-year MD Program it could add up to over $340,000 5 , for this, you have to make sure you choose the medical school that will offer you the best chance of success in the future.
St. George’s University seeks intelligent, dedicated, passionate students who will succeed in their professional objectives and become successful practitioners who add value to their communities and to global health as a whole. To that end, the scholarship program at St. George University is robust, offering partial scholarships to students in need and to those who have demonstrated academic excellence. St. George’s University has provided more than 5,000 students with academic scholarships. In total, St. George’s University has granted more than USD$100 million in scholarships.
Attractive Location
Who wouldn’t want to study on a tropical island? Grenada has a booming tourism and hospitality industry which makes it a top tourist destination. The island’s natural beauty and its good weather all year long, along with its beachside campus, attract students from a lot of different countries around the world. Not only that, but its beautiful campus in Grenada offers students gym facilities, restaurants, and even an internal bus service. Students who study at St. George’s University get to also enjoy the same access to the wonderful beauties and recreational activities. Swimming, snorkeling, diving and hiking are amongst the several activities that are found in Grenada.
Its close proximity to South America and the rest of the Caribbean islands makes traveling around the region a lot easier; it only takes a 3-hour flight from Miami or a 4-hour flight from New York to get to Grenada.
1 Data as of September 2020. International students are non-US, non-Canadian students.
2 Data as of September 2020.
3 Data as of September 2020. International graduates are non-US citizens or permanent residents.
4 According to a 2019 article in the Journal of Medical Regulation, FSMB Census of Licensed Physicians in the United States, 2018, Vol. 105, No. 2.
5 SGU School of Medicine total cumulative tuition fees for a 5-year MD program based on 2020/21 rates are $347,719 before any discounts or scholarships are applied.
An In-Depth Look At The Top Caribbean Medical Schools
It’s hard to think of a more beautiful place to study than the Caribbean. When you factor in the famously lower GPA and MCAT requirements, the beach isn’t the only draw; let’s dive into what you need to know about the top Caribbean medical schools!
With declining rates in American medical school acceptances, specialists are concerned about whether there will be enough doctors to treat patients in the coming years. In fact, the AAMC predicts that the U.S. will face a severe doctor shortage by 2033.
By applying to schools in the Caribbean, U.S. students can help combat that shortage while obtaining a high-quality education. Here we’ll go over the top Caribbean med schools, the benefits and considerations of studying medicine there, what to look for, and more. Let’s get started!
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Thank you! Look for the downloadable guide just sent to your inbox. Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.The Best Caribbean Medical Schools
While researching medical schools in the Caribbean, you may have come across “the big four.” These Caribbean medical schools are ranked high; each institution has an excellent reputation and is worth applying to if you hope to study in the islands. Let’s look at the list of Caribbean med schools and their requirements.
1. St. George’s University in Grenada
St. George’s University (SGU) has a worldwide reputation for medical education. The university is located in the West Indies and was established in 1976. The St. George medical school emphasizes easing the physician shortage in the U.S. SGU is a proudly international school with students and faculty from over 140 countries.
SGU is one of few schools in the Caribbean “recognized by the U.S.Department of Education to administer student loans for qualified U.S. students.” SGU has also provided over 5,000 students with scholarships to ease financial stress, amounting to over $1,000,000.
The St. George medical school is accredited by several recognized bodies, including the Grenada Medical and Dental Council (GMDC), the U.S. National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA), and a panel of experts from the U.S. Department of Education.
Mission Statement
St. George’s mission statement states: “Our highest purpose is education and there is no better education than one that is truly international. We are committed to developing the intellectual capacity, creativity, and professionalism of our students, immersing them in the rich diversity of human experience and aspiration. As a result, they are prepared to shape the future of our world while adding to the knowledge base of humankind.”
Admission Requirements and Application Process
To apply to St. George’s University, you can apply using the SGU application or AMCAS. They also have a transfer request form for SGU hopefuls. You must have completed, or be in, the final year of college to be admitted.
An application to SGU requires:
- Standardized test scores
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Mandatory prerequisite courses
After an initial review of your application and test scores, select students move on to the next round of the admissions process – the interview. If accepted after interviewing, ensure you sign and submit an Acknowledgment of Admission and pay your tuition deposit to reserve your spot.
SGU Acceptance Rate
Various sources estimate that SGU’s acceptance rate is above 40%, but it’s challenging to gauge since SGU doesn’t release acceptance rate data.
2. American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in St. Maarten
The American University of the Caribbean (AUC) is an international school in St. Maarten that offers a U.S. medical curriculum. AUC aims to create a tight-knit community of international students with small class sizes and dedicated staff.
AUC is accredited by the National Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM). The ACCM is verified by the NCFMEA. Due to NCFMEA approval, students at AUC may also qualify for U.S. financial aid.
As an accredited med school, AUC students can take the USMLE. They must first register with the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). They even boast an impressive 92.4% USMLE pass rate.
Mission Statement
According to their website, “The mission of American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) is to train tomorrow’s physicians, whose service to their communities and their patients is enhanced by international learning experiences, a diverse learning community, and an emphasis on social accountability and engagement.”
Admission Requirements and Application Process
To be eligible for admission to AUC, applicants must have completed a bachelor’s or equivalent in any discipline. AUC prefers students with a strong science background; prerequisite courses include:
- “Two semesters (8 credit hours) including labs for each of the following:
- General biology
- General chemistry
- Organic chemistry or biochemistry
- One semester of:
- General physics, calculus, or statistics”
To apply, you must submit:
- MCAT scores
- CV
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Transcripts
- IELTS or TOEFL test scores if English isn’t your first language
All required documents must be submitted with an online application form, which can be found on their website. Start dates fall in January, May, and September, giving students multiple opportunities to apply.
AUC Acceptance Rate
Various sources estimate the AUC acceptance rate to be higher than 45%.
3. Saba University School of Medicine in The Bottom, Caribbean Netherlands
Saba University School of Medicine (SABA) was founded in 1992 and is an accredited school with an impressive USMLE Step 1 pass rate of 100%. Their accreditation comes from the Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO), as it’s located on a Dutch island, boasting high European standards of medical excellence.
SABA medical school has also been approved by officials representing the states of California, New York, and Florida. Due to its accreditation, SABA graduates can complete the requisite licensing examinations in Canada, Puerto Rico, and all 50 U.S. states.
SABA is also approved for U.S. Federal Student Aid programs, making it one of the select international schools U.S. citizens can attend while receiving federal loans.
The university has had plenty of success placing students in residencies. As of today, more than 3,000 SABA graduates practice medicine in North America.
Vision Statement
SABA’s vision is “to establish an international alternative to U.S. and Canadian medical schools that would provide an excellent medical education and expansive career opportunities.”
Admission Requirements and Application Process
To apply to SABA, you must have completed a minimum of three years of undergraduate studies and all prerequisite courses, most of which center around science and mathematics. You can find a full list of prerequisite courses on their website.
The MCAT is required for U.S. students and is recommended for Canadian students.
SABA applicants are expected to have a minimum of 50 hours of direct patient care experience which can come from:
- Volunteering
- Shadowing
- Interning
- Working at a medical facility
If you meet all the admission requirements, you can move forward with the SABA application. To apply to SABA medical school, you must submit an online application, pay the admission fee, and submit all required documents. The required documents are:
- Transcripts
- Personal statement,
- Letters of recommendation
- Photos
- MCAT scores
- TOEFL scores, if applicable
Applicants must speak English fluently; if English isn’t your first language, a TOEFL score is required.
SABA Acceptance Rate
Various sources estimate that SABA’s acceptance rate may be between 40% and 62%.
4. Ross University School of Medicine in Barbados
Last but not least, the Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) is an impressive international school located in Two Mile Hill, Barbados. The campus is home to a state-of-the-art medical and anatomical imaging laboratory and simulation center.
RUSM is accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP). This accreditation means they can participate in the U.S. Federal Direct Student Loan Program.
With a USMLE pass rate of 91.6%, RUSM is in line with U.S. and Canada pass rates. They also have an impressive 96% first-time residency match rate and currently have a student network of over 15,000 graduates practicing in all 50 U.S. states.
Unlike other Caribbean schools, RUSM is U.S.Title IV Funding eligible and has awarded over $50 million in scholarships and grants in one recent year. To give newly admitted students a good idea of their school’s campus life, RUSM offers complimentary school tours, including airfare and a two-night hotel stay.
Mission Statement
Their website states, “At Ross University School of Medicine, we believe accessible medicine starts with accessible medical education. Our mission is to educate and empower a truly diverse and dedicated population of students who are determined to make an undeniable impact on the communities they serve.”
Admission Requirements and Application Process
To be considered for RUSM, applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree or higher. Students must also complete the following prerequisite courses:
- Inorganic or General Chemistry: two semesters with lab
- Organic Chemistry: two semesters with lab
- General Biology or Zoology: two semesters with lab
- Physics: one semester with lab
- Mathematics: one semester
- English: two semesters
Your cumulative college GPA is required for review. If you meet the admissions requirements, you can move forward with your application. Applicants must submit:
- An online application
- Transcripts
- Letters of recommendation (two minimum)
- MCAT scores
- A foreign transcript evaluation, if applicable
You’ll be contacted to set up an interview if RUSM wants you to continue in the admissions process. Afterward, if you receive a letter of acceptance, you can choose to begin classes in September, January or May.
RUSM Acceptance Rate
Various sources estimate the Ross University School of Medicine acceptance rate is 42-43%.
